Costs of Tobacco to Augusta Health

Human resources and maintenance

Smokers on average miss 6.16 days of work per year due to sickness compared to non-smokers at 3.86.

Smokers had more hospital admission per 1,000, longer average length of stay (20%) and made 6 more visits to health care facilities.

Smokers had two times more lost productive time (LPT) per week: $27 billion to employers.

Businesses pay on average of $2,189 in WC costs for smokers compared to $176 for nonsmokers
CDC puts a cost of $3,391 on each employee who smokes: $1,760 in lost productivity and $1,623 in excess medical expenditures.

Elimination of smoking reduced cleaning and maintenance expenses by 10%.

"Providing a space to smoke does not assist patients or employees with quitting or provide a healthier environment. Building and maintaining smoking hut sends a message of approval for smoking"

Begin Your Journey to Stop Smoking or Using Smokeless Tobacco

Evidence-based guidelines and recommendations are given on an individual basis by a certified tobacco treatment specialist. Don't let fear keep you from quitting. Sessions are held monthly and a participant can join at any time. One-on-one consultations with the tobacco treatment specialists are available.